While we handle autographic material that crossed through the hands of pioneer autograph dealer Charles Hamilton on a regular basis, we rarely encounter one of his red wax authentication seals.
Hamilton was one of the most well-respected figures in the history of the autograph industry when it came to authentication and detection of forgery.
"If he was exaggerating a bit when he claimed he could spot a forgery from across a room, by the time he branded the so-called Hitler diaries ''patent and obvious forgeries,'' in 1983, Mr. Hamilton had been proved right so many times -- that even Hugh Trevor-Roper, the British historian who had authenticated them, would have to accede to his opinion, which was eventually upheld when the forger was unmasked and convicted." - The New York Times
Charles Hamilton, Jr. (December 24, 1913 – December 11, 1996) was an American paleographer, handwriting expert, and author of historical works. He invented the term "philography" as another term for his profession. He is the author of a number of books on this topic. He was also an autograph dealer. He died in New York City at the age of 82.
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